Aston Villa to make a £30m bid for Liverpool and Leeds target
Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol confirm rumours that Aston Villa are to table an offer worth £30million to sign Porto winger Otavio in the ‘coming days’ – amid interest from Premier League rivals Leeds and Liverpool.
Otavio, 27, has spent eight years with Porto – winning three Liga NOS titles. In that time, he has clocked up 237 appearances, having a hand in 86 goals. Scoring 24, it is his creativity that is eye catching – 62 assists.
Previous reports state that Liverpool are looking at Luis Diaz’s old teammate, while Leeds have seen an offer of £26million rejected. Mais Futebol state that Leeds and Liverpool are still looking at the Portugal international
However, they report an update – Steven Gerrard is looking to steal in. He and Villa are said to have tabled an offer of £25.9million up front and the rest in add-ons. Otavio has three years left on his Porto contract.
Otavio would be a stunning signing for any mid-table Premier League side. Otavio would improve Liverpool’s side but he would struggle to be first choice. At Villa or Leeds, he would be one of the stars of the show.
Which is his best move? Leeds are about to cash in on Raphinha, with Chelsea or Barcelona due to land the Brazil international. They will have the cash, and the need to replace the ex-Sporting and Rennes ace.
Villa also have the cash and perhaps, more ambition. The chance to work under Gerrard. Villa do have options out wide, the likes of Emi Buendia, Philippe Coutinho, Bertrand Traore, Leon Bailey and others.
